2027: We’ve strategy to end APC dominance in Lagos — APGA chairman

Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Lagos State and the party’s candidate for Amuwo-Odofin Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. ThankGod Christopher Ibeh, has declared that the party is determined to challenge the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and win legislative seats in the constituency in the 2027 elections.

Ibeh spoke at the unveiling of his developmental agenda, anchored on youth employment, skills acquisition, healthcare, education, infrastructure and economic empowerment, at a town hall meeting organised by Amuwo Residents for Better Representation (ARBR) in Lagos.

Tagged the R.O.L.E Agenda, an acronym for Representation, Oversight, Legislation and Engagement, the manifesto outlines Ibeh’s proposed approach to representing the constituency if elected.

He said APGA had developed strategies and structures to compete for elective positions in Amuwo-Odofin, including the House of Representatives, State House of Assembly and councillorship seats.

“APGA has strategised. We have analysed and are ready to implement to displace the APC at the legislative arm. We know that the time to take over governance is now. We will take the bull by the horns, particularly in Amuwo-Odofin,” he said.

Ibeh said his commitment to constituents was not dependent on holding public office, noting that he had supported members of the community through his philanthropic activities.

“With or without being a legislator, I have been supporting my people. I have the structure on the ground. My plans are strategically articulated. We will definitely reach out to everybody in my constituency, from the artisans to the market women and men, the vulcanisers and petty traders on the street,” he said.

He described representation as both a responsibility and a sacrifice, pledging to make the welfare of constituents and effective representation the focus of his tenure if elected.

According to him, leadership should be built on trust, accountability, service and a commitment to improving the lives of the people.

“I came to Lagos in 2000. We need to work collectively to make Festac a better place to live in,” he said.

Ibeh said he had been a member of APGA since 2006 and had previously contested the party’s governorship primary in Anambra State against the incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

“I have a passion for leadership and that brought me to where I am today, contesting for the House of Representatives seat. I am prepared for the challenges ahead of me,” he said.

On youth unemployment, the APGA candidate promised to establish a skills development programme to equip young people with practical skills and improve their economic independence.

“Don’t let them deceive you that there is no money in government. I will introduce one youth, two skills. I will teach you how to fish and not give you fish,” he said.

He said that, if elected, he would pursue partnerships with Federal Government ministries, departments and agencies, private-sector organisations and development partners to create employment opportunities for youths in the constituency.

Beyond employment, Ibeh promised to focus on healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure and economic empowerment.

He pledged to support scholarships and bursary awards, improve access to healthcare, promote agricultural initiatives, support small businesses and vulnerable groups, and work with relevant institutions to improve roads and other infrastructure in the constituency.

“The future of Amuwo-Odofin Federal Constituency depends on visionary leadership, collective responsibility and unwavering commitment to development,” he said.

“Together, through collaboration, we shall facilitate employment, strengthen education, improve healthcare, build better roads, empower businesses, support our youths, protect the vulnerable and deliver quality representation.”

Ibeh said the R.O.L.E Agenda was intended as a commitment to purposeful leadership and sustainable development rather than merely a campaign document.

He also urged voters to assess candidates based on their credibility and capacity rather than political trends.

“The people are now wiser; they go for credible candidates and do not follow the crowd,” he said.

On APGA’s broader political ambition in Amuwo-Odofin, Ibeh said the party was seeking to win all elective positions in the area.

“We will take one stone to achieve another stone. We will take all elective seats in Amuwo-Odofin, including councillors,” he said.

He also expressed confidence that some APC members could defect to APGA ahead of the elections.

“Today, APC is in charge, but note this: APC members will join us in APGA when the tide hits. In APGA, we speak with one voice. We hear with an open mind and are united as one,” he said.

Ibeh said APGA’s campaign would be driven by its promise of political change, adding that residents were increasingly conscious of their choices.

“APGA has always clamoured for change. We pray every day for change and that change has finally come. It is not how far but how well,” he said. (Nigerian Tribune)